IOC/SC-WESTPAC-XII/inf 2

ENGLISH ONLY

Twelfth Intergovernmental Session of the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC-XII) , the , 2-5 April 2019

Dear Participants,

Welcome to Manila for the Twelfth Intergovernmental Session of the IOC Sub- Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC-XII), which will be held from 2-5 April 2019 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). To facilitate your travel preparations, please find herewith the information on logistic arrangements.

We wish you a pleasant stay!

IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC)

Logistic Information for Participants QUICK LINKS (Click on page number) to directly access the relevant text in this document.

GENERAL MEETING VENUE (2) (7) INFORMATION

Metro Manila (7) Weather (8) ACCOMMODATION (3) Currency (8)

Language (8) Time Zone (8) AIRPORT TRANSFER (6) Internet/Wi-Fi (8) Telephone (8) Electricity (8) REGISTRATION (7) Health (8) Emergencies (9)

RECEPTION (7)

VISA REQUIREMENTS (7)

LOCAL CONTACT (7) POINT

1. MEETING VENUE

Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) Address: PICC Complex, , Manila 1307, Philippines Tel. No.: (+632) 789 4789 Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.picc.gov.ph/

The meeting will be held in Meeting Room 1 located at the 3rd Floor of the PICC.

Floor plan of the Meeting Room 1 of PICC ______

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2. ACCOMMODATION

As the accommodation would be on the personal account of the delegates, they are responsible for booking their hotel room reservations. Below are the recommended hotels for the delegates’ consideration:

SOFITEL PHILIPPINE PLAZA MANILA Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, Roxas Boulevard, City

Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila is an iconic 5-star luxury resort nestled in an expansive tropical setting. Renowned for its magnificent contrast of captivating sunsets and the sparkling waters of , the hotel attracts international and local travelers alike with its signature Filipino brand of hospitality and the French joie de vivre reflected in its service rituals; from entertainment, food and wine offerings. Nestled adjacent to the historic Cultural Center of the Philippines, Sofitel Philippine Plaza boasts of a location within the city beat and the refreshing tranquillity of the bay. It stands 15 minutes away from the international and domestic airports and approximately 30 minutes away from City, the central business and commercial district of thriving shopping, dining and entertainment venues.

DIAMOND HOTEL MANILA Roxas Boulevard corner Dr. J. Quintos Street, Manila

Diamond Hotel Manila, set against the magnificent golden sunset of the Manila Bay, is a 5-star hotel minutes away from international and domestic airports, and from the Makati business district. Diamond Hotel is near SMX Convention Center, Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). It is also near SM Mall of Asia, Robinsons Manila and other shopping destinations. Also within the vicinity are Manila's famous historical landmarks, cultural sites, and Malate's spectacular nightlife. Diamond Hotel has a variety of restaurants and bars specializing in different cuisines and diners are sure to have a remarkable dining experience.

HOTEL JEN MANILA 300 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City

Just 20 minutes from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the 4-star Hotel Jen Manila offers 312 spacious rooms and suites with panoramic views of Manila Bay and the Roxas Boulevard. The hotel is adjacent to the capital’s premier conference and exhibition centers, a few minutes from Manila’s finest leisure, entertainment and shopping districts and a short drive to the business district of Makati.

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TRYP BY WYNDHAM MALL OF ASIA- MANILA Seaside Boulevard corner J.W. Diokno Boulevard, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City

TRYP by Wyndham is a three-star hotel select-service that caters to both business and leisure travelers who value quality of life with professional excellence, by offering several specialty guest rooms, including Family Rooms with bunk beds and Fitness Rooms with exercise equipment. TRYP offers a unique experience that encourages guests to enjoy the city, socialize and live life to the fullest.

CENTURY PARK HOTEL MANILA 599 Pablo Ocampo Street, Malate, Manila

Century Park Hotel is located in Manila, a 5-minute drive from the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the PICC. It features an outdoor pool, spa treatments and 8 dining options are available while WiFi is free throughout the property.

Hotel Rate Booking inclusions For reservations, please contact/fill-out: Sofitel Philippine PhP7,000.00 net • daily buffet breakfast at the http://bit.ly/SofitelUNACOM- Plaza Manila (approximately Spiral Restaurant for each DFA US$135.00) for registered guest Superior Room with • French bath amenities balcony overlooking • access to bar, fitness room and the city or bay swimming pool • free wifi • international direct dialling facilities • safety deposit box in the room • free parking • airport transfer Diamond Hotel PhP 6,600.00 net • daily buffet breakfast at Mr Edgardo Berin Manila (approximately Corniche Restaurant for each Business Development US$130.00) registered guest Manager for Deluxe King • free wifi Tel.: (632) 528 3200 Room • international direct dialling Mobile: +63917 868 7399 facilities Email: • access to fitness rooms and [email protected] swimming pool • safety deposit box in the room • scheduled shuttle service to and from , Mall of Asia and available on weekends Hotel Jen PhP 4,500.00 net • daily buffet breakfast at Latitude Group Block Code: Manila (approximately Restaurant for each registered UNE020419 US$90.00) for guest Deluxe Room with • access to fitness room and Individual reservations under view of the bay swimming pool the group rate can now be • free wifi booked on the hotel’s • free parking website. This direct hyperlink • shuttle service to various can be used to access the destinations subject to applicable hotel’s web booking engine. charges Your hotel and Group Code

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will be pre-selected if this direct hyperlink is used:

http://www.shangri- la.com/reservations/booking/ en/index.aspx?hid=THM&gr oup_code=UNE020419&che ck_in=20190402&check_out =20190406

Alternatively, the delegates can make their bookings directly on the hotel’s website using the Group Code:

1) Go to the Shangri-La website. 2) Select the appropriate hotel and enter all the necessary stay requirements like check-in date, check-out date, number of rooms, adults and children. 3) Under the "Special Rate" area, select "Group Code" and enter the Group Code (UNE020419). 4) Click the Check Availability button to continue. 5) If all the search criteria are correct and rooms are still available for the group, the group rate will be returned in the availability search result. Simply follow the on-screen instructions to complete the online booking.

TRYP by PhP 4,900.00 net • daily buffet breakfast at Ms Katherine Alquizar Wyndham Mall (approximately Milagritos Restaurant for each Sales Executive of Asia Manila US$95.00) for registered guest Tel.: (632) 403 3333 Cityscape Room • access to fitness room and Mobile: +63917 8037 026 with city view swimming pool Email: [email protected] • free wifi • free parking • scheduled shuttle service to and from Mall of Asia and PICC (venue of the IOC meeting)

Century Park PhP 4,500.00 net • daily buffet breakfast at Café in https://goo.gl/forms/PA3YV0 Hotel Manila (approximately the Park Restaurant for each 7lxCoaHZsG3 US$90.00) for registered guest Superior Room • access to fitness room and swimming pool • free wifi • free parking • transportation 24/7 subject to applicable charges

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Distance and travel time of recommended hotels from PICC ______

3. AIRPORT TRANSFER

A shuttle will be organized from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to your hotel upon your arrival and departure. A staff will be present at the arrival hall to assist you in the transfer. Participants are kindly requested to provide us an advance copy of their flight details. Please send your flight details and hotel name to Mr Gay Alfred (Freddie) Blanco ([email protected]) with a copy to [email protected] and [email protected]

Likewise, transportation to the venue (PICC) from your hotel and vice-versa will also be provided by the meeting organizers.

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4. REGISTRATION

Delegates may register at the Meeting Room 1 at the 3rd floor of the PICC on Tuesday, 02 April 2019. The registration desk will be open at 08:00 a.m. Please provide your name card to the Secretariat upon registration. ______

5. RECEPTION

Receptions on select dates will be hosted by the Philippines and by UNESCO IOC-WESTPAC. Delegates will be informed of the details accordingly. ______

6. VISA REQUIREMENTS

It is the responsibility of the participants to establish visa requirements for the Philippines and any transit countries as may be necessary. Kindly visit the nearest Visa Office of the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your country to check the required documents for visa application. Each participant should also ensure that his/her passport is valid for at least 6 months from his/her travel dates. ______

7. LOCAL CONTACT POINT

Should you have any questions or require any assistance on the logistic arrangements, please feel free to contact:

Mr Gay Alfred (Freddie) Blanco Programme Officer for Science and Technology 1/F UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines, Department of Foreign Affairs, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City 1300 T: +632 834 48 87 Mobile: +63908 863 3981 Email: [email protected] ______

8. GENERAL INFORMATION

Metro Manila

The Metropolitan Manila, commonly known as Metro Manila or simply Manila, is the National Capital Region (NCR) of the Philippines, the seat of government, and the 2nd most populous and most densely populated region of the country. NCR is composed of Manila, the capital city of the country, Quezon City, the country's most populous city, and the cities of Caloocan, Las Piñas, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Parañaque, Pasay, Pasig, San Juan, Taguig, and Valenzuela, including the only remaining municipality of Pateros.

The region is packed with museums, parks, shopping malls, entertainment centers and landscapes. It is the center of economy, education and government of the Philippines. Metro Manila is home to some of the largest shopping malls in the world, i.e. SM Megamall, SM City North EDSA and SM Mall of Asia. Some of the popular tourist destinations, i.e., Intramuros, , and the National Museum of the Philippines, can also be found within the metro.

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Weather

In April, temperatures in Manila are around 30-36°C. It is mostly sunny. Since there are scheduled activities outside the meeting venue, it is highly recommended to bring an umbrella and light/comfortable clothes in general.

Currency

The official currency of the Philippines is the Philippine Peso. The major denominations of the currency are PhP 1, PhP 5, PhP 10 (in coins), and PhP 20, PhP 50, PhP 100, PhP 200, PhP 500, PhP 1,000 (in banknotes).

The commercial rate is subject to change daily (currently estimated at around USD1 ~ PHP53.193). There are banks and currency exchange kiosks located at the airport. ATM machines can also be found near the hotel.

All major credit cards and traveller’s cheques are widely accepted at banks, hotels, restaurants and shopping centres. Please contact your respective banks for permission to use your credit cards during your travel.

Participants are advised to exchange some local currency prior to your departure or at the airport upon your arrival for the taxi fares and other personal expenses.

Language

The official language of the Philippines is Filipino and English. The majority of the population can understand and speak English. English will be the medium of communication during the meeting.

Time Zone

Philippine Standard Time (CST) is 8 hours ahead to the Universal Time Coordinated (UTC).

Internet/Wi-Fi

Internet/Wi-Fi will be available in the meeting room. Password will be announced accordingly.

Telephone

Philippines’ international dialling code is +63 and the city code is 2.

Electricity

The standard electrical voltage in Philippines is 220 volts, 60 cycles. Electrical sockets commonly found in the Philippines can accept the Type A (2 flat, parallel pins with no ground pin), and Type C standard (2 rounded pins) plugs. Please bring a suitable adaptor if needed.

Health

All participants are required to obtain medical insurance for the duration of the meeting prior to your departure.

In case you have an urgent need for medical treatment, please contact the hotel’s information desk (available for 24 hours). The hotel has a first-aid kit available for basic medical care.

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Emergencies

In the unlikely event of an emergency, you can contact the local contact point, Mr Freddie Blanco, or the emergency hotline in the Philippines by dialling 911. ______

The meeting organizers disclaim all responsibilities for medical, accident and travel insurances, for compensation for death or disability compensation, for loss of or damage to personal property and for any other losses that may be incurred during travel time or the period of participation. In this context, it is strongly recommended that participants will secure international medical, accident and travel insurances for the period of participation prior to departure.

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